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Technology-enabled sexual health promotion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: protocol for a scoping review

Por: P James · C. · Das · A. · Sreelatha Biju · A. · Abhi · N. · Tijo · S.
Introduction

Technology-enabled approaches are increasingly used to support health education, yet the extent and characteristics of digital interventions addressing sexual health promotion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remain unclear. Individuals with IDD often experience limited access to developmentally appropriate sexuality education, highlighting the need to understand how technology is being used to support learning, safety and autonomy. This scoping review aims to map peer-reviewed evidence on technology-enabled sexual health promotion for individuals with IDD, including intervention characteristics, target populations, sexual health content and reported outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This protocol follows the Population–Concept–Context framework and is developed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidance; the scoping review will be reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Electronic database searches will be conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase for studies published in English between 2010 and 2025. The preliminary search strings were developed in consultation with a health sciences librarian and will be refined iteratively, if required, during the review process. Eligible studies will include peer-reviewed empirical research examining technology-enabled sexual health promotion for individuals with IDD. Two reviewers will independently conduct screening and data charting using Rayyan, with disagreements resolved through discussion and adjudication by a third reviewer. Data will be synthesised through descriptive mapping and thematic organisation. Given anticipated heterogeneity in technologies, settings and outcome measures, findings will be synthesised narratively rather than pooled quantitatively. Expert consultation will support interpretation without influencing study selection decisions.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as the review uses published literature only. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences to inform clinicians, educators, researchers and policymakers working in disability and sexual health.

Trial registration number

Open Science Framework, DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/X7HQW.

Fertility, family planning, pregnancy and motherhood among women doctors working in the EU and UK: a scoping review

Por: Biju · S. · Madden · C. · OConnor · P. · Byrne · D. · Humphries · N. · Jeffrey · G. · Finnegan · J. · ODonoghue · K. · Fitzgibbon · S. · Lydon · S.
Objectives

Women doctors face considerable challenges navigating family planning, pregnancy and motherhood. Their experiences can have relevance for health system functioning, including doctor retention. This scoping review synthesises research on family planning, fertility, pregnancy and motherhood among women doctors in the EU and the UK.

Design

Scoping review conducted according to JBI best practice guidance.

Data sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycInfo and Web of Science were searched, and supplemented with backwards and forwards citation chasing.

Eligibility criteria

Peer-reviewed, original research, in English, focusing on either fertility and family planning, pregnancy and/or motherhood among women doctors in an EU country(s) and/or the UK.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were extracted independently by two authors. Data were synthesised using deductive content analysis and collated using narrative synthesis.

Results

In total, 34 studies were identified. Family planning appears complicated by medical careers. Medical specialty choice is particularly impacted, with certain specialties (eg, General Practice) considered particularly family friendly and others markedly less so. Pregnancy complications among women doctors, especially surgeons, were documented. However, women doctors’ and non-doctors’ pregnancy outcomes were overall not significantly different. Notably, doctor-mothers had fewer children and were more likely to report making compromises or facing negative consequences when balancing family and career than doctor-fathers.

Conclusions

Women doctors in the EU and UK report challenges in balancing work and motherhood. With the potential for their experiences to impact on health system functioning and patient outcomes, training bodies and health organisations should take proactive action to better support women doctors and ensure they can remain in the profession and practice in their desired specialty. Future research examining working practices/schedules during pregnancy, breastfeeding experiences, parenting and childcare and maternal mental health will support a better understanding of women doctors’ experiences and facilitate implementation of effective supports.

Experiences, perceptions and barriers to use of reusable menstrual products among university students globally: a systematic review

Por: Johnson · E. · Seed · L. · Biju · A. · Tulinius · C.
Background

Reusable menstrual products have gained increasing attention for their environmental and economic benefits, yet their uptake remains limited. University students represent a key demographic for understanding uptake, as young adults forming lifelong menstrual hygiene habits.

Objectives

To synthesise evidence on university students’ knowledge, usage patterns and perceptions of reusable menstrual products, and identify barriers and facilitators to their adoption, to inform future interventions and educational efforts.

Search strategy

A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus and Global Health was conducted, last updated on 31 October 2024.

Selection criteria

Eligible studies contain data on perceptions of reusable menstrual products, specifically of students in university or higher education, or including segregated data on this population. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies were included.

Data collection and analysis

Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. All data were summarised descriptively.

Results

10 studies (4721 participants) across multiple countries were included. Findings suggest that while reusable menstrual products are viewed by some as cost-effective and sustainable, barriers include concerns relating to practical usage and health, limited awareness, misconceptions and cultural taboos. In the university context, peer influence, financial constraints and sociocultural factors play a significant role in shaping product choices.

Conclusions

Targeted education to increase awareness and address practical concerns and misconceptions, alongside peer support and provision of reusable menstrual products, could significantly enhance the adoption of reusable menstrual products in university settings. Further research into the health impacts of these products would support educational interventions.

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